Optimism growing over "make or break" steel pensions vote ahead of next week's result

The result of the crucial union ballot is expected in the middle of next week (Source: Getty)

Optimism is increasing over a "make or break" vote for the future of British steel, with a result expected to be announced as soon as Wednesday.

Members of GMB, Unite and Community are still being balloted over proposals that will see Tata Steel pump £1bn into the sprawling Port Talbot steelworks in exchange for workers accepting changes to their pension schemes.

However, with a final verdict expected in the middle of next week, multiple sources now suggest that steelworkers may have swung behind the offer at the last minute.